Clowns demand more of Indonesia’s political circus

(JG Photo / Yudha Baskoro)

Indonesia always does well in the Department of #YouCouldn’tMakeItUp. Exhibit A: this article from the Jakarta Globe about clowns marching for political peace. There’s so much about this story that delights me:

  • That Indonesia even has a national clown’s association (and one that has almost as many members as the House of Representatives).
  • That the Jakarta police felt the need to deploy 60 police officers “to ensure the clowns could march safely to Monas.”

But mostly of course:

  • That Sumarsono, the current head of the clowns’ association, “urged Indonesians to stop using the derogatory term “badut politik” (“political clowns”), especially during the upcoming election years, since it’s insulting to the clowns.”

In the best Shakespearian tradition, the court jesters once again speak truth to power.

4 Comments on "Clowns demand more of Indonesia’s political circus"

  1. Reminds me of why I love Indonesia….

  2. This made me laugh! Especially the plea not to equate real clowns with the clowns in the Hose of Representatives!

  3. Such a delightful story – so true. So much to love about Indonesia. I also want to say how much I am enjoying your book Indonesia, Etc.

  4. There should be an official Semar clown to brighten up (and maybe enlighten) the parliamentary sessions.

Comments are closed.